“Biomaterials” are materials made using biological matter, and some engineers and designers are turning to them for their “visual richness”, alongside their eco-credentials. A growing number of people around the world are exploring ways living organisms and their products can be integrated into our built environment – from algae-based bricks to straw or fungi wall … Read more
Ex-rocket scientist, Kristina Barile, from Harvard and MIT now builds natural living structures and permaculture farms in Panama. She is an expert in building mud homes who offers workshops and videos to help people embrace natural building technologies and live off the grid. On her Instagram account, Kristina posted a video explaining the difference between … Read more
Over the past couple of years, Michael Ryan Leinweber has been working to spread the word about hempcrete, a mash of natural lime and hemp hurds that can be formed into blocks used in place of fibreglass and mineral wool. Leinweber’s business, Gnome Homes Hempcrete, has the motto “Dream it, Build it, Live it.” “I’ve … Read more
Dry-stone wallers perform an ancient, essential craft that has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. From graphic designers to yoga instructors, more and more people are changing careers to learn the skill. In France, artisans now have access to a training school with a state-certified diploma, and public officials are keen to employ them for departmental … Read more
Minnesota appears to be the first US state on the path to adopting the newest official residential building codes featuring hempcrete and strawbale. The nine-member Technical Advisory Group voted in favor of hempcrete and strawbale, said advocates who had to appear before the advisory board twice with significant revisions to finally get approval. “When we … Read more
A climate-resilient city can predict, withstand and recover from climate-related hazards — storms, heatwaves, floods — while maintaining its essential functions and keeping its population safe. Key attributes include a robust infrastructure, renewable energy integration, natural buffers like parks and wetlands, and proactive city planning. These are some of the factors that cities use to anticipate, … Read more